Be Proactive when Considering Fertility Treatment Options

Dr. Stephanie Singleton of The Fertility Center of Charleston advises patients to be proactive when considering treatment options.

PRLog - Feb. 12, 2013 - CHARLESTON, S.C. -- For many, trying to start a family is an exciting time, but it can also be emotional and challenging. Fertility issues are more common than many couples trying to conceive realize. Reproductive endocrinologist, Stephanie Singleton, M.D. of The Fertility Center of Charleston, advises that couples thinking about starting a family should consider seeing a fertility specialist sooner rather than later. “If a woman has been trying for a year, an evaluation may be beneficial. If a woman is 35 and has been trying for 6 months, it is time to come in and be evaluated by a reproductive endocrinologist,” states Dr. Singleton. A fertility evaluation does not necessarily translate into a problem. However, it can determine if male infertility is a factor, ensure tubes are clear of scar tissue, and determine if the woman is producing eggs. Perceived expense and lengthy commitments stop many women from taking the next step with a fertility evaluation. Dr. Singleton states, “Fifty percent of our patients are successful by taking a conservative approach. I like to call it a staircase approach. We start with conservative therapy and work up the staircase if we need to.” For other patients, in vitro fertilization may help them conceive, a procedure that is covered by some insurance plans. The number one factor in infertility is age. Singleton says, “Age is one of the most important factors in fertility, and the chances of conceiving decrease at a much earlier age than most realize. At thirty-two years old, women see a decrease in their fertility chances. By the time a woman is in her late thirties and early forties there are fewer and fewer good quality eggs making it harder and harder to conceive.” Eating right and exercise are good for overall health. A healthy woman is less likely to have fertility issues related to lifestyle, such as obesity, smoking and alcohol. However, many women have other factors that play a role in conception. She states, “ If a woman is over forty years old, her ovaries know she is forty. Ovaries are in sync with a woman’s body, despite what physical shape she may be in,” Says Dr. Singleton. The good news is that in the last few years, Oocyte Cryopreservation or freezing eggs has become more common. Freezing eggs is simply the process of taking good viable eggs from a woman and preserving them for later use. Dr. Singleton explains, “In the last five years, this has become more prevalent. It gives many women more control over their life. They can use this to plan a family as they plan a career. For professional women, this is a great option.” For any couple trying to conceive, Dr. Singleton advises to be proactive. “Come into The Fertility Center of Charleston and get an evaluation. We offer complimentary consultations. Often, a couple will step in the doors and have no idea what they are working with. We will help them achieve the goal of starting a family.” She continues, “Getting an evaluation does not translate into fertility issues but it does translate into informed decisions.” The Fertility Center of Charleston offers state of the art fertility treatments by the only female reproductive endocrinologist in the Charleston area. Services offered at The Fertility Center of Charleston include: infertility testing, in-vitro fertilization, ovulation induction, IUI, fertility preservation, preimplantation, genetic diagnosis, mind and body services and cryopreservation/egg freezing. For more information about fertility treatments, log onto www.fertilitycharleston.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Singleton call 843-881-7400.